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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) has several conservation practices
that may help farmers and ranchers protect animals and people by
restricting access to contaminated water or providing alternate
water sources.
The ABCs of HABs
Freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) are usually caused by
rapid growth of blue-green algae (known as cyanobacteria) in
water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and streams. These organisms
can produce toxins (known as cyanotoxins) that are harmful to
humans, livestock, working animals, and pets. Contacting or
ingesting contaminated water (including water spray or mist) can
result in irritation, illness, or even death.
Cyanobacteria are naturally found in water bodies, so they
cannot be eradicated. Instead, it’s important to understand how
and why blooms occur. Cyanobacterial blooms and their potential
toxicity often are a result of excess nutrients, such as
phosphorus and nitrogen, in water bodies. Excess nutrients can
come from adjacent agricultural lands, livestock waste, and
leaky septic systems, among other sources. HABs typically form
in summer, when warm, nutrient-rich, stagnant waters and more
frequent sunlight increase the opportunity for their growth.
Treatment of current HABs involves chemical, biological, or
mechanical treatment targeted directly at the contaminated
waters. Prevention of future HABs involves changing the
conditions that favor cyanobacteria, including nutrient
management of the surrounding land and trapping or treating
nutrient losses to waterbodies.
Risks HABs pose to livestock, working animals, and pets
Symptoms* of cyanotoxin exposure in animals include:
· vomiting
· excessive salivation
· fatigue
· staggered walking
· difficulty breathing
· weakness
· convulsions
· liver failure
In severe cases, HAB poisoning can lead to death. Therefore, any
potential intoxication needs to be immediately addressed by
qualified professionals.
NRCS is not the authority on HAB symptoms in animals and humans.
Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website
for further information on HAB symptoms or contact your state or
county health department.
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Steps you can take if a potential exposure to
cyanotoxins has occurred:
1. Eliminate animal access to the suspected contaminated water
source.
2. Wash animals with clean water and monitor for symptoms of
exposure to cyanotoxins. Isolate any animals exhibiting symptoms and
seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
3. An alternative source of livestock drinking water
might be needed.
4. Contact the appropriate state agency for sampling and testing
guidance to test the water source for HABs and cyanotoxins. It is
not safe for landowners to sample the water themselves without
proper personal protective equipment and procedures.
5. If a HAB occurs, there is potential for recurrence. Therefore,
the waterbody should be monitored.
6. Adopt conservation practices that reduce the risk of livestock
exposure to HABs and prevent and reduce nutrient loading to waters
to minimize the risk of future HABs occurrences.
Reduce livestock exposure to HABs
If HABs or cyanotoxins have been detected in a water body,
preventing exposure by restricting access is key to ensuring the
health and well-being of people, livestock, working animals and pets
on the farm.
NRCS has several conservation practices that may be useful to
exclude livestock from contaminated waters or provide alternative
water sources. Some examples are:
· Fencing
· Pond
· Access control
· Water well
· Watering facility
For more information or assistance:
To learn more about how NRCS can help address HAB concerns or other
natural resource concerns, visit the NRCS website at
www.nrcs.usda.gov/il or contact NRCS at your local USDA Service
Center.
[Aaron Patrick
Public Affairs Specialist
USDA NRCS Illinois] |
